Ethical Issues Flashcards
When do ethical issues arise in psychology?
When conflict exists between PPTs rights and researchers needs to gain valuable findings.
What is informed consent?
Involves making PPTs aware of the aims of the research, procedures, what their data will be used for and their rights.
Why might researchers view informed consent as pointless?
PPTs will know the aims and this could lead to demand characteristics.
What is deception?
Deliberately misleading or withholding information from PPTs at any stage of the investigation.
When can deception be justified?
If the PPTs are not distressed by being mislead.
What is protection from harm?
Ensuring PPTs are not placed at any more risk than they would be in their daily lives.
What is psychological harm?
Feelings of embarrassment, stress etc in the PPT caused by the experiment.
How can PPTs be protected from harm?
By reminding them of their right to withdraw throughout the experiment.
What is privacy/confidentiality?
The right for PPTs to control personal information about themselves
When, conducting research, what code must all psychologists follow?
The BPS code of conduct.
What do psychologists do when they need to deceive PPTs during an experiment?
They consult an ethics committee.
How do PPTs give informed consent?
They sign a letter containing all relevant information about the study ad their rights?
How do we studies involving children under 16?
Their parents must give informed consent.
If a vulnerable person agrees to a study, how can we ensure that their consent is informed?
We can get consent from family members. If the person has no family an ethics committee can be consulted.
What must researchers do at the end of a study?
They must give all PPTs a debrief. This involves an explanation of aims and any deceptions.
